When is it Time to Replace Your Sign?
Your sign is your first impression, representing your brand 24/7. It helps customers find you, recognize you, and trust you. Unfortunately, signage doesn’t last forever.
Sometimes a sign just needs a simple repair or a fresh face. One burned-out lighting component or a small crack in a panel doesn’t mean you need to tear it down and start from scratch, but if your signage is becoming difficult to maintain, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Replacement Doesn’t Always Mean Starting from Scratch
Replacing a sign doesn’t necessarily mean that every part of the existing signage has to be thrown away. Depending on the sign type and condition, some components may be reusable or can be adapted. In some cases, a partial replacement or refurbishment might make more sense than a complete replacement. The right solution depends on the condition of your existing sign, your current branding, the building, your goals, and local signage requirements.
So, how do you know when it makes sense to replace your sign?
Your Sign Constantly Needs Repairs
When repairs start becoming a regular expense, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture. If you’re repeatedly dealing with electrical problems, loose components, water intrusion, cracking or warping panels, or structural issues, the cost and inconvenience can start to add up.
Structural damage is a serious safety hazard and can create liability. Some warning signs to look for:
Sign is leaning, loose, or shaking in the wind
Rusted frame, corroded bolts, or streaks of rust running down the sign face
Acrylic panels warping or cracking and creating sharp edges and room for water to enter electrical components
Panels that shift or rattle
Exposed or damaged wiring
Missing components
Flickering lights or parts of the sign not lighting
If you notice something that looks unsafe, such as significant corrosion or excessive movement, don’t wait for the problem to become more serious. Have the sign evaluated by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
If you’re spending a lot of time and money on repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it. A new sign can eliminate recurring problems and give you a more reliable signage system instead of continuing to repair an aging or dangerous sign one piece at a time.
Your Sign No Longer Represents Your Business
Your business may have changed since your sign was originally installed. Maybe you’ve rebranded, changed your logo or brand colors, changed your business name, expanded your services, changed ownership, or renovated your storefront. Your sign should reflect what customers see everywhere else, from your website and social media to your vehicles and printed materials. If your storefront still looks like an old version of your business, replacing the sign can help bring your brand back up to date.
Sometimes a business keeps repairing an old sign simply because replacing it feels like a large undertaking. But, if you already know the sign is outdated, doesn’t fit your brand, or isn’t working well for your business anymore, continuing to invest in it probably doesn’t make sense. Before calling for another repair, ask yourself, “if this sign were removed today, would I choose to install the same sign again?” If the answer is no, it may be time to start planning for a replacement instead.
Your Sign is Faded or Visibly Worn
Outdoor signage is constantly being beaten down by exposure to the elements. Sun, rain, wind, snow, and temperature changes will weather your signage over time. You may notice:
Fading colors or discoloration
Lost reflectivity
Peeling graphics
Cracked or chipped acrylic
Warped panels
Rust stains
A generally worn-out appearance
A little wear might be repairable, but when the entire sign looks worse for wear, replacing individual pieces may only provide a temporary improvement. If your signage looks neglected, it can make the rest of your property look neglected too.
If customers are having trouble seeing or reading your sign, your signage is no longer doing its job. Take a look at your sign from the street, parking lot, and other places where customers are likely to see it. Is the lettering still easy to read? Is the lighting bright and consistent? Poor contrast, burned-out lighting, and obstructions can make a negative impact on the visibility of your sign, and replacing it can be an opportunity to improve both the design and functionality of your sign.
Planning a Commercial Signage Replacement
A sign replacement is more than choosing a new design. You’ll need to consider sign dimensions, mounting method, materials, lighting, existing structure, building conditions, removal of the existing sign, installation logistics, and local zoning and sign regulations. Planning these details early can help prevent unwelcome surprises later in the project. If your business is located in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Southeast Indiana, Forward Signs can help! We provide commercial sign replacement, installation, repair, and maintenance throughout the region. We work with channel letters, monument signs, dimensional lettering, pylon signs, vinyl graphics, cabinet signs, and other commercial signage. We’ll help you evaluate your existing sign, determine what needs to change, and plan a replacement that works for you and your business.
Think it might be time for a new sign? Contact Forward Signs to discuss your project and request a free quote.
